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High Street Heritage Action Zone

Ryde Shopfront Improvement Scheme

What is the Ryde Shopfront Improvement Scheme?

The Shopfront Improvement Scheme ran from 2021 to 2024 and helped restore or rebuild historic shop fronts in Ryde’s High Street. Grant funding was available to support high quality schemes which enhance the area that followed the principals of the Commercial Frontages Design Guide.

Business owners were invited to submit an expression of interest and then were prioritised by a grant panel consisting of members from all three HAZ funding partners (Historic England, Ryde Town Council and Isle of Wight Council). They were prioritised based on the impact that the works would have on the high street.

In order to quality for a shopfront grant:

  • The application must come from whoever has repairing responsibility for the building.
  • The applicant must either own the freehold or a lease of at least 3 years.
  • The property must be within the Ryde HAZ core investment area (as above)
  • Proposed works must enhance the conservation area
  • Applicants must be able to demonstrate their commitment to ongoing maintenance and repair of the property to a high standard after works are completed.
  • Grants are designed to support improvements for owners/occupiers with an ongoing commitment to their building and the town. Grants must be repaid if the building is sold within 3 years of completion of works

Grants were awarded for up to 80% of the works cost, with designs being produced by ERMC architects.

 

 

The Gambling Man

The Gambling Man barber shop is located at 5 St Thomas Square, so their shop is very prominent in Ryde. The shopfront dated back to when a cafe was located there, so the configuration of the shopfront didn’t meet the needs of the business and was much in need of restoration.

Their works involved a complete replacement and installation of a traditional timber framed shopfront and awning.

The owners are delighted with the finished works and have received numerous compliments from members of the public.

Aladdin's Cave (former Pete Harris Engravers)

Aladdin’s Cave is located at 69 High Street, at the top on the junction with St John’s Road.

The shop used to be Pete Harris Engravers but has since converted to an Antiques Shop.

These works have seen the shopfront opened up and heritage architectural feature refurbished.

The Crown

The Crown were awarded a grant to improve their external illuminations, ensuring that their placement highlights the historical features of the Listed building and the quality of lighting is sympathetic to the Conservation area.

The Kebab House

Works at the Kebab House have taken a more contemporary approach, due to the age of the building. The design guide covers more modern structures and provides solutions to suit all ages and types of buildings.

Project Location